The spirit of civic pride and community engagement was on full display at Villa Sienna in Gilbert as students, families, and community leaders gathered for an inspiring and highly successful National Civics Bee. Hosted by The Civic Trust in partnership with the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this meaningful event highlighted the importance of civic knowledge and empowered young minds to engage thoughtfully with the future of their communities.
From the very beginning, the energy in the room was electric—an atmosphere fueled by curiosity, competition, and a shared belief in the power of civic participation. The event was made possible through the generous support of Arizona Public Service (APS), the presenting sponsor, and the Town of Gilbert, whose contributions continue to help our community thrive.
A Strong Foundation of Leadership and Support
The event began with opening remarks and recognition of APS, whose leadership in community engagement has consistently demonstrated a commitment to strengthening Arizona’s future. Patrick Carlson, Public Affairs Manager at APS, joined the program to share insights and reaffirm the company’s dedication to partnerships that uplift civic awareness and education. With a professional background that spans both APS and the City of Phoenix, Patrick brought a wealth of experience and perspective to the stage.
Esteemed Judges Champion Civic Knowledge
The competition was guided and evaluated by an exceptional panel of judges who brought diverse expertise and passion to the event. In addition to Patrick Carlson, the panel included:
- LaTisha Gilmore, Community Initiative Coordinator with the Town of Gilbert, recognized for building strong, connected communities through equity-driven work and collaboration.
- Andrea Whiting, President and Co-Founder of Tomorrow We Vote, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young and marginalized communities through civic education and voter engagement.
Their thoughtful evaluation and encouragement helped create a meaningful and supportive experience for all participants, reinforcing the importance of civic literacy and leadership.
Engaging Competition and Impressive Talent
Emceed by Denise Lopez, President and CEO of HD South, the event unfolded across three dynamic rounds of competition. Students tackled civics-based quiz questions, demonstrating both their knowledge and their ability to think critically under pressure.
The format encouraged not only accuracy but confidence, as students worked through multiple-choice questions and advanced through rounds based on cumulative scores. Audience members were even invited to participate as “spectators,” adding another layer of engagement to the experience.
The finalists represented some of the brightest young minds in the region, and each participant earned recognition for their dedication and enthusiasm. The competition culminated in a final round that showcased not only knowledge, but poise and confidence.
Celebrating Our Winners
After an exciting and closely contested competition, the top three winners emerged:
- Shaurya Arora of BASIS Chandler
- Matthew Pallotto of Highland Junior High School
- Julia Wang of Highland Junior High School
These students demonstrated exceptional understanding of civic principles and a strong commitment to learning about the systems that shape our society. Their achievements are a testament to the importance of investing in civic education at an early age.
A Community Investment in the Future
Events like the National Civics Bee are about fostering a generation of informed, engaged citizens who understand the value of participation in democracy. By bringing together students, educators, community leaders, and sponsors, this event underscored what is possible when a community commits to nurturing its future leaders.
Special thanks go to APS, the Town of Gilbert, The Civic Trust, and the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation for their dedication to civic education. Their support ensures that programs like this continue to thrive and inspire.
As the applause settled and the event came to a close, one thing was clear: the future of our community is bright, and it is in very capable hands.
Photos by Elaine Kessler Photography